Abstract: A new type of spectral element was proposed to solve the problems of three-dimensional multi-layered system subjected to an impulsive load.In frequency domain,each layer in structure was simulated as two-noded or one-noded spectral element.In order to identify the parameters of layered system,a nonlinear optimization method called Powell algorithm was employed.Both the proposed method and finite element method were applied to analyze the dynamic response of a three-layered structure subjected to an impact.And the two results agreed well with each other.Moreover,in the case of the inverse calculation,it was shown that the stable and efficient convergences were obtained.